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Lunar new year animals

Traditional Markets during Lunar New Year in Vietnam
Stretching throughout the country, all localities have Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday) market days, each with different customs. In the Vietnamese countryside, markets are not open everyday as those in urban zones. Key rural markets normally gather when Tet comes near. Some markets only open once a year and the special opening falls on Tet holidays. No matter how far away or how busy, locals still go to the market to enjoy the spring atmosphere, to seek lifetime love affairs, seek wealth or simply meet people. Tet markets are not only a trading place but also a place of unforgettable spring entertainment. 1. Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces (Luon-singing markets) In several border provinces in northern Vietnam, especially Cao Bang and Lang Son, the Tay people usually organise luon singing ceremonies for unmarried persons to find suitable partners. Such ceremonies are called Cho Luon (or Luon markets). 2. Bac Ninh Province (O … [Read more...] about Traditional Markets during Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Despite no firework displays, some big cities including Hanoi, HCM City, Hue or Hoi An were still glittering in the Lunar New Year Eve with colourful cultural celebrations.
Many people gathered at Ngoc Son Pagoda on the Hoan Kiem Lake on the Lunar New Year Eve.
Hoan Kiem Lake was among the most crowded areas in Hanoi on Lunar New Year Eve. Although there were no firework displays here this year, the area was no less exciting than it was in previous years.
The Huc Bridge during Lunar New Year Eve
Three foreign tourists selfied beside Hoan Kiem Lake
Crowded Dinh Tien Hoang Street
Many art shows were oragnised in the pedestrian streets around the lake, drawing a large crowd.
A music show was held at Ly Thai To Park.
According to some local people, they still enjoyed Tet atmosphere this year without the … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year Festival celebrated nation-wide

Goat-related items are being sought after in Vietnam as the Lunar Year of Goat is getting near. Gold-plated goat statues
One of the most sought-after item in Vietnam is the gold-plated goat statues. Statues depict three generations of goat standing together on mountain top -- a symbol that will bring wealth, prosperity and success to the owners -- are considered special item of the season. The prices of the statues range from VND80 million to VND500 million, depending on the size. To welcome the Lunar New Year, the US Treasury has issued one-dollar-note "Lucky Money" with a limited available amount of 88,888. Meanwhile some two-dollar-notes that are enhanced with holographic gold images of goat are being sold at USD13.5 per note. Their price is doubled on Vietnamese websites at USD27 per note. The wholesale price is also as high as USD22.5 per note. One of the most favourite items are the goat-shaped ornamental trees made on customers' orders. Other zodiac animal-shaped trees are … [Read more...] about Goat-related items hot as 2015 Lunar New Year approaches

Two Vietnamese artists have painted more than 70 goat images to mark the 2015 Lunar New Year, which according to the ancient Chinese calendar signifies the Year of the Goat. Le Tri Dung, usually known for his artistry involving horses, has turned his hands to goats, creating 50 images for Tet. Dung said the goat is one of the signs representing domesticated animals, the others being the rooster, the pig, the bull, the dog and the horse. To him, the male goat symbolises power and the prolific, and the female represents caring gentleness. Artist Trang Thanh Hien has also taken up the goat theme, with some 20 images, the most striking infused with sexual energy. Hien said the goat can be seen to represent sex, but it is only a negative feature when dominated by instinct rather than purity and reason, in harmony with the two souls. Some paintings of artist Le Tri Dung: Goats and their father Five goats Goats and peach flowers Some photos of Trang Thanh Hien: … [Read more...] about Artists seek inspiration from the goat for Lunar New Year

Despite efforts made by local authorities, cheating and price gouging have continued at lunar new year festivals across the country.
Flows of people coming to Huong pagoda festival
Taking advantage of long holiday, thousands of people have flocked to major festivals. Serious overcrowding and other public safety issues were recorded at festivals at the Huong Pagoda of Hanoi’s My Duc District and Phu Giay in Nam Dinh Province’s Vu Ban District.
The Huong Pagoda festival opened on the sixth day of the lunar year. The three month long festival marked the start of series of events which comprise of the national tourism year in Red River Delta – Haiphong region.
Nguyen Chi Thanh, head of the Huong Son management board said over 50,000 visitors attended the opening ceremony this year. 250,000 people visited the site during the first few days of the event and a total of 1.5 million visitors is expected this … [Read more...] about Shambolic organisation plagues lunar new year festivals